Apparatus for filling a lined, semibulk container

Abstract

Apparatus to fill any lined semibulk bag-like container, and through mechanical functions, to remove any twists or creases which could hamper the loading or unloading process. During filling, the apparatus will automatically separate the liner from the bag, except for the bottom section which is tied. The liner is then inflated to remove any twists after which product flow is activated at a trickle rate. After an automatically sensor-controlled amount of product has flowed into the inner liner at the trickle rate, the liner is lowered to full load position and the product flow is automatically activated to full flow at a greater rate. When a second set point is reached, the trickle rate is automatically activated again to top off the container to the predetermined amount of product, after which the unit turns off for container removal.

I claim: 
     
       1. Apparatus for filling a bulk-bag in which there is an outer bag and inner liner each with an open mouth at the top, which includes a filling chute supported by a main frame and a cone slidably mounted on the chute, said apparatus further including support elements on the frame enabling the outer bag to be suspended thereby so the bag and liner may be positioned with their open tops aligned to the chute and its cone, a clamp that can be opened and closed, said clamp having a complemental fit to the outside of the cone and means to close the clamp after extending the open top of the liner to fit the outside of the cone, means for sliding the cone upward on the chute after the mouth of the liner has been so clamped, thereby to support the liner independently of the outer bag, and means for supplying air under pressure to the interior of the liner after it has been independently supported as aforesaid so that the liner may be inflated sufficiently to remove wrinkles prior to adding bulk material to the independently supported liner. PG,11 
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the means for sliding the cone includes an air cylinder operatively connected thereto. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the support elements and frame are adjustable for bags of different size. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the support elements are four in number spaced and related to receive loop straps secured to the outer bag and to so stretch the straps that forklifts may be entered therein to capture and remove the bulk-bag when filled. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the support elements are spaced and related to receive loop straps secured to the outer bag and to so stretch the straps that forklifts may be entered therein to capture and remove the bulk-bag when filled. 
     
     
       6. A method for facilitating loading of bulk material in a bag assembly which comprises an outer bag of sturdy material and an inner liner each having an open mouth at the upper end, in that folds and creases in the inner liner are removed prior to adding bulk material and comprising the following steps: A. clamping the open upper end of the liner to a cone slidably mounted on a filling chute to suspend the clamped liner by the cone independently of the outer bag while supporting the open end of outer bag independently of the liner so clamped;   B. raising the cone on the chute to partly separate the liner and bag;   C. inflating the liner with air while the liner is so suspended thereby to remove wrinkles and folds in the liner;   D. adding part of the bulk load to the liner while so suspended and after inflation;   E. restoring the cone after completing the partial load so that the outer bag and liner may be supported at the bottom, and then adding the full load of the bulk material.   
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 6 in which the partial load is fed at a slow rate and in which the full load for the most part is fed at a rapid rate followed by termination feed at a slow rate. 
     
     
       8. A method according to claim 6 in which the outer bag has four loop straps, and including the step of suspending the outer bag by those straps in such a way that liftforks may be entered therein to transport the filled bag assembly. 
     
     
       9. A method according to claim 7 in which the outer bag has four loop straps, and including the step of suspending the outer bag by those straps in such a way that liftforks may be entered therein to transport the filled bag assembly.